Braves Go With Script "A" For Batting Practice Caps, Deny Intent To Use Indian Head

Braves batting practice caps with the "A" were one of five designs considered

The Braves' new batting practice caps “will not include the Indian head logo that stirred debate when a potential version of the hat was leaked in late December,” according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. While the "screaming Indian" logo was one of five proposed designs, the Braves said that a decision “had not been made before the potential hats were leaked.” The team instead will wear caps "that are solid navy blue with a red script ‘A’ on the front" (MLB.com, 2/11). In Atlanta, David O’Brien wrote some critics will "say it was a decision made to appease those who voiced disapproval after a picture of the so-called ‘screaming Indian’ logo cap was leaked on the Uni-Watch.com website in late December” (AJC.com, 2/11). ESPN.com’s Paul Lukas wrote the Braves' claim that they "were never committed" to the Indian head cap "doesn't ring true." The Indian head cap “has been shown for months in the official MLB Style Guide and is still shown” there as of yesterday. It also appears “in the new New Era catalog.” Lukas: “All signs indicate that the Braves fully intended to go with the Indian design until the recent controversy caused them to have second thoughts.” It will be “interesting to see if a similar chain of events follows in Cleveland, where the Indians have come out with a T-shirt that's sure to raise some eyebrows.” Majestic has “just unveiled a new line of retro-styled T-shirts and sweatshirts.” The one for the Indians features “the old-school Chief Wahoo caricature that even hard-core Tribe fans will find hard to defend” (ESPN.com, 2/11).

MOUNTAIN MEN:In Denver, Patrick Saunders noted the Rockies new batting-practice caps feature “a purple mountain’s majesty, with a baseball sailing through the sky.” The Rockies' new caps are “kind of cool and a distinct departure from the typical 'R' that adorns most Rockies caps." There were “whispers" that Rockies mascot Dinger "might be featured on the Rockies BP caps." But Saunders wrote, “Thankfully, no” (DENVERPOST.com, 2/11).